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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

What Works For Others May Not Work For You

Case in point: I attempted to re-enact what I think of as the typical Asian smokey eye, where basically you rim your top lash line and 1/3 of your bottom waterline with black liner, add a ton of highlight in the inner corner and extend it to the edge of that 1/3 of black line. Color on lids optional. I used Le Métier de Beauté Nouvelle Vague, which has basically become my to-go eye palette for anything that involves black shadow. I swear that shade alone may be worth the $95 for the entire kit. On a side note, I love how frequent use changes my perception of a product. For reference, see my previous thoughts on the palette here.

Two things happened:
1. The tear duct-ish area of my right eye decided it refused to accept black liner of any form (when powder failed I tried liquid and cream. Nope) and I'm hoping it's a freak protest or my right eye and I will have words
2. I realized that even though this makeup is eye-widening and flattering on most Asian eyes, it's somehow just ill-suited to my face. I'm not saying it's ugly, it's just not the best thing I've seen on me.

The moral of the story, which I have already given away in my catchy post titling (!), is what works for a lot of other people may not work for you, but that's alright. You can figure out what does instead. After all, sometimes it's equally important to know what doesn't work.

The bonus I got out of this experiment is the really pretty lip that basically reaffirmed my love for Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipsticks andLe Métier de Beauté Creme de la Creme. Not that they needed any, of course.

Aww yeah I know that waterline problem all too well. Some pencils irritate, others come right off. I do REALLY enjoy how it looks, but I haven't found a pencil that will stay without making my eyes red and itchy!

Still, I wouldn't say this doesn't work on you. I personally get a kick out of looking different, which is probably why I really enjoy playing with makeup ;)

true, I actually prefer you with a fresher eye that has a bit of shading on top instead of the sides. Trial-and-try is perfect and not listening too much to "what is supposed to work for your type" too, because what is actually a type these days?

The color palette you chose is simply fantastic at giving your face a romantic look. And while the application is pretty enough, you're right... other techniques are incredibly flattering for your unique features. I love that every face is so unique and can be enhanced in individual ways!

I think it is beautiful on you but it is what you think that matters. If you don't like a particular look there are many other looks out there that are equally as attractive. It is all about choice. You are an extremely beautiful woman, even in your pics without makeup, so wear what makes you happy. P.S. Still loving your short hair. It shows off your amazing bone structure.

What's super interesting about this post is how it underlines the importance of looking at oneself holistically rather than piece meal, or feature by feature. When I looked at the solo shots of your eyes, I thought "oh! Nice!" but you're right, when you look at it in a broader context of your entire (lovely!) face, its not your best look.

Its one of the reasons why I am so grateful for bloggers who post their entire faces versus... a lip swatch by itself. It helps to give a context to the color, the finish, does it actually suit? Versus focusing on a singular element.

Thanks Xiao...

(ps what's not "your best look" would be a dream for most of us to achieve!)

I'm a longtime reader, though this is my first comment. I love your blog and the distinctive taste it brings to the beauty world. What is absolutely refreshing is how honest you are in sharing your opinions. It's important for people not to stick themselves in a box and just assume that whatever makeup looks are prescribed for their colouring, facial features, etc. should automatically work for them. We should analyse our features and experiment with makeup. The great makeup artists I admire seem to advocate this approach.

I'm of mixed ancestry, and I've always done makeup to the beat of my own drum because I don't believe in hard and fast rules (and I absolutely refuse to stick myself in a box!).

Keep up the excellent blogging. I think all of us who are avid readers of beauty blogs can appreciate all the looks you create -- and the commentary -- even if we have to tweak techniques in order to suit our features.

How interesting, it made your eyes look beady! I also learned the hard way that the method of applying shadow with the darker colour in the outer corner doesn't work for me. We shouldn't conform to public perceptions of what we are supposed to do or not supposed to do :)

Xiao, you're a master of deconstructing looks in a few sentences and a couple of well-placed photos. I'm glad to see you blogging regularly again, and with such creative posts.

Nouvelle Vague stole my heart the moment I tried it: this kaleidoscope creates the most elegant, effortless smokey eye. You can see the look in one of my recent posts, although I'm not certain if the standard crease method is the most flattering application for my eye and face shape. Hmm! How does one figure this out?

TRUE this! Ive been copying Caucasian beauty gurus' looks for the longest and always wondered why it doesnt show up the same - only then did I realize I had different lids a.k.a hooded lids in particular! I love this post a lot Xiao!

I think it looks lovely on you! It is so true though. Not everything works for everyone and the only way to know for sure is to TRY! That's what's great about makeup. You can play and if things go wrong it just washes off!

Hi, lovelies. Due to excessive spam, I would appreciate it if you refrain from including self-promoting links in your comments! This ensures that your comment will be visible and keeps the section clean. I look forward to hearing from you!